How AI is Set to Redefine Global Logistics Operations
Steve Cross, MD at CenGlobal details how artificial intelligence will transform the future of freight forwarding and supply chain management.
AI is not only revolutionising how businesses work, but everyday life. Its reach has extended into every corner of the globe, reshaping the fabric of how every single industry currently operates.
The freight forwarding and global logistics sector is no exception. What once was an industry that was bogged down in outdated legacy processes, it is now entering a new chapter, in which AI has the potential to streamline operations, improve customer experience and shrink overheads.
With a greater expectation from customers for operators to work more efficiently and to provide greater visibility over shipments, requiring operators to invest heavily in customer service teams to manage a constant flow of updates and enquiries, AI is now stepping in to bridge the gap.
In line with this, CenGlobal, which develops systems for logistics and transportation in the UK, Middle East, and Asia, is preparing to launch its groundbreaking CenAI solution – an intelligent layer designed to work seamlessly with cloud-based global logistics execution platforms to automate and optimise freight forwarding operations in real time, cutting unnecessary back-office workload, while reducing overheads and delivering far greater visibility across the entire supply chain.
Touching on AI’s capabilities in automating and optimising core processes, Steve Cross, Managing Director of CenGlobal said: “Geopolitical issues and the general turbulence across the global supply chain in recent years has since placed greater emphasis on customers wanting to know exactly where their shipment is during transit, its ETA and to be immediately informed of any potential delays as or when they occur.
“Seamless, up-to-the-minute information at every stage of the journey and real-time transparency is now what’s required and those which don’t offer this level of visibility risk losing business. With AI, operators can not only provide customers with accurate, real-time updates but take proactive measures to keep goods moving with minimal delay.
“The same goes for making operations more efficient. By automating complex, time-consuming tasks, whether it be customs declarations, invoice processing, or shipment
tracking, AI effectively eliminates much of the manual effort and external dependency that have long characterised the industry.”
Steve added: “Previously, these tasks may have required a dedicated team or third-party support. Now, AI can manage the entire process while also providing accurate, real-time visibility for customers without increasing operational costs.”
By layering AI over existing global logistics platforms, CenGlobal’s CenAI will enable operators to interpret, validate and act on data in real time – effectively turning what once took 30 to 40 minutes into a task completed in just a few minutes.
As a part of this, customs documentation can now be automatically ingested, translated, and verified all by AI, drastically reducing human error and the need for third-party involvement.
Similarly, customer queries that once required large teams can now be handled by chatbots capable of accessing and interpreting live shipment data, delivering accurate, real-time updates directly to customers.
“AI isn’t a luxury or a buzzword anymore,” adds Steve. “It’s a practical, cost-effective solution that enables forwarders to do more with the systems they already have in place.
“There’s a perception that such technology will come at a massive expense to their bottom lines but that’s not the case at all. In fact, we envisage that within a few months of implementing AI systems into their operation that operators will be generating a tangible ROI.
“Beyond just cost savings though it also allows them to scale their business seamlessly without having to increase headcount or invest heavily in additional infrastructure. With the sector still battling an ongoing skills shortage, this technology provides a way to maintain a competitive edge while addressing ongoing recruitment issues, meaning achieving growth no longer has to be personnel dependant.”
Source: CEN GLOBAL